Have you ever been in the room when a negative comment leaves someone else’s lips sounding like, “Cleveland is the mistake on the Lake,” or “There is really nothing special about Cleveland”? 

Hurts your heart a bit, right?

Engage! Cleveland knows the importance of celebrating Cleveland, and how a good reputation can drive attraction and retention of the next generation of Clevelanders. 

According to the 2023 State of the Young Professional Community Report (SYPCR), a survey Engage! Cleveland conducts bi-annually to get a finger on the pulse of the early to mid-career professional community in Cleveland, a whopping 91% of respondents had a positive view of Cleveland, but only 27% of those respondents said they were “cheerleaders” of Cleveland, with the remaining respondents being passive, or negative. 

To shine a spotlight on the Clevelanders who are actively making a difference in our community, we’re excited to start sharing their stories—aiming to challenge and change the current perception.

This month we would like to introduce Rebecca Maxwell, local girl’s girl, entrepreneur, and Cleveland lifer. We chatted with Rebecca about the reasons she believes Cleveland is the place to be. Read her full story below, and connect with her on social media @shes.company and @Rebecca.maxwell. 

EC: Hi Rebecca, thanks for sitting down with us to discuss our mutual love for the Land, we are excited to get to know you better. Tell us a little more about yourself before we dive in.

RM: Thanks for having me! My name is Rebecca Maxwell and I am the Founder and Owner of Two One Thrift, a upcycled clothing company, where I turn one fan’s trash into another fan’s treasure. I am also the Founder of She’s Company, a women’s focused community organization where I curate meaningful events to bring the community together. 

EC: Do you currently work and/or live in Cleveland?

RM: Yes, I live in Downtown Cleveland.

EC: How would you describe yourself? A Cleveland transplant, boomerang, or life-long resident. 

RM: I am a life-long Cleveland resident! 

EC: What is it about Cleveland that makes you feel at home here, and why do you choose to live in this city over other places?

RM: You can’t beat the people and sense of pride behind the city.

EC: Can you describe your favorite neighborhood or area in Cleveland? What makes it special to you, and how does it reflect your connection to the city? 

RM: I’m a downtown girl through and through. I love the vibrance of the city on event days but the calmness and lack of traffic when there’s nothing going on. You never know who you will meet and I love the fact that I can walk anywhere and get there within 20 minutes.

EC: Cleveland has a rich history and culture. What part of the city’s history or culture do you connect with most, and how does that shape your view of Cleveland today? 

RM: The music. I constantly have music playing and grew up going to the Rock Hall all the time. Music is such a universal language and Cleveland has a great scene for it

EC: What are some of your favorite places to visit in Cleveland, whether for leisure, food, or entertainment? Why do these spots stand out to you? 

RM: I love the 5th street arcade & always take visitors there, Voinovich park for sunsets, Playhouse square – I grew up on theater and I love to go to shows.

EC: Cleveland has a passionate sports community. How does being a fan of Cleveland’s sports teams (or the city’s overall sports culture) enhance your experience of the city? 

RM: I grew up with season tickets to the then Indians, now Guardians, and coming downtown for games as a kid has a direct correlation with me wanting to live down here. My clothing business also came to life because of our sports scene so it’s had a huge impact on my life

EC: How do you typically spend a weekend in Cleveland? Are there any local events or activities that you never miss? 

RM: Any sporting event or concert is always a yes for me. Opening Day, Taste of Tremont, BriteWinter and any outdoor festival tend to be my favorites

EC: What would you say to someone who is thinking about moving to Cleveland? What do you think they should know about the city and its people before making the move? 

RM: It’s not as bad as it’s portrayed to be. Cost of living is great, there’s minimal traffic, a great food scene and some really wonderful hard working people. It’s a great place to call home.

EC: In what ways do you celebrate Cleveland—whether through its festivals, local businesses, or other cultural traditions? What’s your personal way of showing love for the city? 

RM: With my She’s Company events, we aim to highlight many different venues and local businesses. Supporting local is very Cleveland coded so I aim to do that as much as possible.

EC: Please detail your current efforts in making Cleveland great. Whether this is in your personal, professional, or civic life. 

RM: I aim to highlight all things Cleveland on not only my businesses pages but also personal. My goal this year is to try as many local restaurants in the area that I have not been to and highlight them so others can try. I include as many women owned businesses in my events as possible and love to showcase the talented people in this city. She’s Company aims to connect as many women in the area as possible to create a sense of community within the community.

EC: What are some ways our audience can engage with you or your work?

RM: Coming to She’s Company events, Following my instagram for all things Cleveland and cheering on our sports teams in Two One Thrift!

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